Chief Financial Officer

• Full Time
• Application Closes 08 Oct 2026
• Manawatu - Palmerston North
• Government Service Executives

 Hands-on financial leadership, stewardship and sustainability 

This is an exciting time to join UCOL. We are in our first year of operation as a re-established standalone entity, with renewed autonomy and a clear focus on building a strong, sustainable and future-focused organisation. 

We are seeking an experienced, technically strong and practical Chief Financial Officer to join our Executive Leadership Team. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the CFO will provide authoritative financial and commercial advice to the Chief Executive, ELT, Council and the Financial, Risk and Audit Committee. 

This is a genuinely hands-on CFO position. The successful candidate will directly lead the existing Finance team and remain closely connected to day-to-day financial operations. They will combine executive-level leadership with practical oversight of reporting, budgeting, forecasting, audit, treasury, financial controls and systems. 

The role offers an opportunity to shape UCOL’s financial direction while working alongside leaders to strengthen decision-making, organisational capability and long-term sustainability. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Hands-on Finance Leadership: Lead the Finance function and its day-to-day operations, developing a capable team with clear priorities, delegation and accountability. 
• Financial Strategy and Planning: Lead budgeting, forecasting, long-term financial planning and financial sustainability initiatives. 
• Reporting and Analysis: Ensure timely and accurate management, statutory and governance reporting supported by clear analysis and advice. 
• Financial Stewardship: Maintain robust financial controls, policies, delegations, compliance, treasury and cashflow management. 
• Governance and Assurance: Provide trusted advice and assurance to the Chief Executive, ELT, Council and the Financial, Risk and Audit Committee, and lead the external audit process. 
• Investment Decisions: Provide financial evaluation and assurance for business cases, property and capital decisions, commercial opportunities and major projects. 
• Organisational Capability: Strengthen financial understanding and accountability through effective business partnering with leaders and budget managers. 
• Executive Leadership: Contribute a dedicated financial perspective to collective ELT leadership, organisational priorities and future direction. 

What Will You Bring? 

• A Chartered Accountant qualification through CA ANZ or an equivalent professional accounting qualification. 
• Substantial senior financial leadership experience within a complex organisation. 
• Strong technical capability across financial and management reporting, budgeting, forecasting, audit, taxation, treasury and financial control. 
• The willingness and ability to remain close to day-to-day Finance operations while contributing effectively at executive and governance levels. 
• Proven ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to financial and non-financial audiences. 
• Strong commercial judgement and experience evaluating business cases, investment decisions and organisational performance. 
• Experience leading and developing finance professionals and transactional teams. 
• An understanding of public-sector governance, accountability and the responsible stewardship of public resources. 
• A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity and the use of te reo, tikanga and mātauranga Māori in the workplace. 
• Knowledge of tertiary education, government funding or vocational education would be advantageous. 

Why Join Us? 

This is an opportunity to help shape UCOL’s future at a pivotal point in its history. As a standalone entity, we are strengthening our systems, planning for the future and making decisions that will support our learners and communities for generations to come. 

You will bring a dedicated financial voice to the leadership table, work directly with the Chief Executive and Council, and lead an experienced Finance team through UCOL’s next stage of development. 

If you are an accomplished financial leader who enjoys both strategic influence and staying connected to the work, we would welcome your application. 

Apply Today 

Please submit your cover letter and CV outlining your financial leadership experience, your approach to leading a hands-on Finance function and what you would bring to UCOL’s future.